There are regulations for demonstrations in Lafayette Park in front of the White House in America, Parliament Square near Parliament in Britain, and around Parliament in France. In these countries too, security, public movement and public order are taken care of, but that does not mean that all forms of demonstrations near parliament or government are completely banned. Amidst Delhi’s decision to remove Jantar-Mantar from the list of protest sites, the question arises as to how close the place of protest should be in a democracy and who decides its limits?
America: There is also an exhibition space in front of the White House
Lafayette Park is north of the White House in Washington DC, the US capital. Spread over about 7 acres, the park has long been used for political protests and public events. The White House is clearly visible from here. Its peculiarity is that despite being so close to the most important offices of government, it is a well-known site of public protests. According to the US National Park Service, permits are required for exhibitions and other activities held in the President’s Park area. A permit is also required for certain events with 25 or more people and events in which any type of structure is installed.
Britain: Demonstration near Parliament, but with conditions
Parliament Square Garden is located near the Houses of Parliament in London, the capital of Britain. This is a place that is used for exhibitions and rallies. To hold a demonstration or rally in Parliament Square Gardens, prior permission from the Greater London Authority (GLA) is required. According to the GLA, applications are usually to be submitted 14 days before the event. In Britain, certain activities around Parliament are also banned. These include using loudspeakers without prescribed rules, pitching tents for overnight stays and using sleeping equipment.
France: Parliament has the right to demonstrate, but not everywhere
Even in France, peaceful demonstrations are part of the democratic system. But even there, rules regarding space and safety apply to the exhibition. According to the French government, the relevant administration must be notified before taking out a rally or procession on a public road. In Paris this process is completed at the level of police prefect. According to the official description of the French National Assembly, demonstrations are usually limited to a few main boulevards around the parliament. Demonstrations may be prohibited near the entry and exit points of Parliament House. A small number of protesters may be allowed in the Place Edouard Heriot.
Where is the problem on Jantar-Mantar?
Jantar-Mantar in Delhi has long been a major site of protests. But questions were raised on the arrangement ahead of the proposed demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in October 2026. On October 9, the Supreme Court heard a petition challenging restrictions on train and metro services in Delhi. During the hearing, the court said that a suitable place should be identified for peaceful protesters where basic facilities like toilets, drinking water and medical assistance are available. Chief Justice Suryakant also said that around Jantar-Mantar there are government residences and houses of MPs.
Protesters also face difficulty in using the toilet. On behalf of the government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that in case of emergency at Jantar-Mantar, it may be difficult to reach the ambulance. He also argued that an attempt to march towards Parliament could be a serious matter from a security point of view. The court asked the central government to consider an alternative protest venue. Following this, the Delhi Police removed the Jantar-Mantar from the list of scheduled protest sites. As per the decision announced on October 12, East Delhi’s Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground have now been made alternate venues.
